four brutal days

The last four days have been awful for Wendy. She has been lying down in her bed for four days straight. Her leg is numb again and her incision site is extremely uncomfortable. The incision site feels like a piece of stiff rope wrapped around her body. Lack of movement has made it feel like the site is being tightened and pulled. She is experiencing muscle atrophy in her legs again. She has been in a tremendous amount of pain, and she is exhausted and nauseous. She has experienced some major setbacks. Complications that started in the hospital are getting worse at home. She hopes to have an appointment with a local doctor tomorrow.

Wendy has a stye in her left eye. It is excruciating. She is using a warm compress to help soothe it, but it hasn't helped much.

She hasn't had an appetite for the last four days. She lost five pounds in 48 hours. Wendy is supposed to be eating 1800 calories or more, every day. Severe nausea has made it hard for her to even swallow a small pill. Today was the first time anything has sounded somewhat edible to her in over four days. She was craving spaghetti from Di Cicco's. GB made the run and brought back two sides of spaghetti. Wendy actually ate a healthy serving of spaghetti. Please pray for Wendy's appetite and for feelings of nausea to go away. It is crucial she eat.

Wendy is trying to avoid and block any negative thoughts. At this point she is extremely frustrated. The last four days have really set her back. It's annoying and hard on one's heart and mind to work so hard to get to a certain point and then experience regression so rapidly.

Skyler doesn't have chicken pox. However, after Micah, Skyler, and Jadon experienced a three hour wait at the walk-in clinic the day after Thanksgiving, Skyler was put on antibiotics for a staph infection. Wendy is being quarantined from them for the time being. Skyler has an appointment with his regular pediatrician tomorrow. Being away from them is breaking her heart.

Pray...

• Wendy's appetite returns and the nausea leaves!

• She is able to start visiting her boys again.

• Skyler heals quickly.

• The stye in her eye is healed.

• Strength for Micah.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

gold canyon candles

A mom of a former student of Wendy's, Melissa Brown is hosting a special event that will benefit Wendy through Gold Canyon candles sales. From now through December 13th, 50% of all Gold Canyon candle sales made through mygoldcanyon or email mel_93704@yahoo.com, or by phone 559-916-1140, and parties (catalog or home) will be donated to help Mrs. Manzo and her family. Candles will arrive before Christmas. Order today and be apart of giving back to Wendy through this special opportunity.

first check-up

Wendy and Micah experienced a lot of holiday traffic on the way to UC Davis Medical Center yesterday. She suffered from nausea and pain on the way there and back.

Her appointment with Dr. Calhoun went well. Pathology reports continue to show that all cancerous tumors were removed. Dr. Calhoun is referring her to a new oncologist. The new oncologist might suggest chemotherapy and/or radiation. At this point Dr. Calhoun doesn't think either are necessary. He truly believes he got ALL of the cancer. She will have scans taken every month for awhile. At this point they aren't worried about the cancer coming back. Her Wound V.A.C. is continuing to do good work and it might be removed as soon as next week. Wendy's main incision site is looking great and her rate is down.

On their ride home Micah held her hand and told her not to worry about the cancer coming back. He said it is important they enjoy this moment, her being healthy.

Wendy's next appointment is next Wednesday at UC Davis Medical Center at 10 am. She is already not looking forward to the long and uncomfortable drive.

thanks today and always

Happy Thanksgiving from the Manzo and Beckett families!

Wendy and her family send an extra special thank you to Uncle Kenny and Aunt Kay for preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the Manzo and Beckett families. They slaved in the kitchen for two days preparing a delicious and extravagant meal. Wade went and picked the meal up and brought it back to the Beckett's house for their little family to enjoy. Wade topped off the meal with his famous mashed potatoes and gravy. It was a beautiful Thanksgiving Day spread.

Unfortunately the day didn't go quite as planned. Wendy was exhausted from the previous day and in bed experiencing a tremendous amount of pain. Another reason she was in her room most of the day was because it is thought Skyler might have the chicken pox. At this point it is best they keep the boys away from Wendy. Despite it all, Wendy has so many things to be thankful for. Too many to list. And even though she had a rough day she is so thankful to have spent Thanksgiving at home and not in the hospital.

Pray...

• Wendy feels less pain today and is not as exhausted.

• Skyler doesn't have the chicken pox.

• Micah doesn't feel too overwhelmed with a healing wife, scheduled boys, illness, and traveling back and forth from Fresno to Madera.

The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

The sun will not harm you by day or the moon by night.

family of four

Wendy was super tired today. Wendy and GB had a rough nights sleep, bad and weird dreams kept both of them up. She is hopeful to get to bed early tonight and to have peaceful dreams. GB is working hard, tending to Wendy's every need. She needs prayers for good rest and strength. Pray for GB.

Micah and the boys came and visited in the afternoon. Their little family of four got to eat lunch around the kitchen table. It had been a long time since they had enjoyed that simple pleasure. Skyler was visibly the happiest of all to be sitting together eating as a family.

Wendy is a strong lady! She switched from the quad cane to a regular cane today! She is really pushing herself physically. She is so anxious to become more independent and regain her strength. She used the walker later in the evening when her body was just too worn out to rely on the cane.

She didn't suffer with nausea today as much as she has the past few days. She actually made it all the way until 7 pm without getting nauseous and needing medicine.

Little surprises and dear gifts have been quietly and without any interruptions left for Wendy over the past few days. FED EX dropped off a special flower delivery this afternoon. These little surprises have brought her so much joy. Wendy's family is so thankful that people are continuing to love and support Wendy from a distance. It is still SO important she not have any visitors.

Wendy and Micah head to UC Davis Medical Center tomorrow for the first check-up of many. It is a long and painful ride for someone who is recovering from such major surgery. Please pray continuously throughout the day for her comfort, peace, and safety.

Micah called Wendy today to share a Jadon quote. In the car, on the way home from The Village, Jadon said, "Dad, I think I need a CAT scan." He hears way more than anyone knows!

Pray...

• Safe travels tomorrow in holiday traffic.

• Minimal incision pain from car ride.

• The x-ray goes quickly and smoothly with little wait time.

• Check-up with Dr. Calhoun goes well, showing no infection or complications.

• Wound V.A.C. change isn't too painful (it hurts!!) and shows much healing and progress.

• Her pain level stays low and no nausea in car or during visit.

Praises...

• Wendy is home for Thanksgiving.

• She has starting using the cane.

• GB...amazing nurse and precious mom.
  

• A meal shared by their little family.

mind over matter

Wendy's discomfort and pain was definitely up today. Her Fentanyl patch expired today and she could definitely feel that its effectiveness had worn off. GB changed the patch and Wendy started to feel more relief as the day went on. She is still experiencing nausea and headaches.

Her home health nurse came today. It was a long visit. Reviewing Wendy's extensive medical history, paperwork, and changing of the Wound V.A.C. made for a busy, exhausting day. The nurse's visit interfered with her time with Micah and the boys. She was pretty sad that she didn't get to see them much. From here on out her nurse will come in the mornings. The afternoon and early evening will be reserved for time with her family.

Tolerating and accepting pain has been tough on Wendy mentally and physically. She has had to learn how to differentiate and accept a level of pain she can tolerate versus a level that leaves her debilitated. Her mental strength was tested yet again yesterday. She had a scary moment around 1 am. She was having difficulty catching her breath and she panicked. She was on the verge of hyperventilating, but thankfully was able to talk her self into a state of calmness and could re-regulate her breathing.

Please continue to pray for Wendy. Her recovery is not easy and she is appreciative of every prayer for healing and strength.

m-o-m

Wendy had a low key, quiet day. She was groomed and pampered from head to toe by her sweet mama-nurse. Her mom washed, dried, and combed her hair, pedicured her feet, and helped her take a bath. She finally got to take a semi-normal bath with the help of a hand held shower nozzle that her Uncle Kenny installed for her. Wendy's entire grooming process took over two hours because she had to break for so many rests, as she is still in a lot of pain.

Wendy had her best and longest sleep yet, last night. Unfortunately, she woke up in a lot of pain this morning because she slept through her pain medicine doses. At this point she is asking for prayer, which is better for her body, sleep consistently or wake up and take pain medicine? She is perplexed over which is the lesser of two evils.

Wendy didn't see the boys today. She was exhausted from the previous busy and emotional day and all three of the Manzo men are now on antibiotics. It was better for everyone to take a day off. Micah was busy cleaning the house and hadn't gotten around to telling the boys that they wouldn't see their mommy today. As Micah cleaned the floors the boys played and scurried around at his feet. Skyler who usually plays well independently was following him around, carrying a letter puzzle. After awhile, Micah noticed he wasn't letting up and was actually trying to communicate something to him. Micah sat down with Skyler. Skyler took the letters from the puzzle and spelled out "M - O - M". As Wendy retold this story tonight she couldn't help but cry. Skyler is truly blossoming! She is excited to get to see them again tomorrow.

Wendy experienced severe hiccups today. She had three bouts of hiccups that lasted almost an hour each time. Please pray the hiccups don't come while she is sleeping and they are gone by tomorrow. By the end of the day her stomach and throat were really starting to hurt.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

an update from cb

Wendy and Georgia are back home in Madera. Thirty-three days in a hospital is a long time. The Becketts and Manzos say THANK YOU from our innermost being. GOD IS FAITHFUL. This will truly be a memorable Thanksgiving because there is no place like home.

Georgia looks cute in her pink scrubs and Wendy beautiful in her new lounge wear. Wendy has already started her strenuous physical therapy and will work very hard everyday. A home health nurse will come every Monday, Wendesday, and Friday to change the dressing on her Wound V.A.C.

Wendy and Micah will head back up to UC Davis Medical Center this Wednesday, November 25th for a checkup with Wendy’s surgeon, Dr. Calhoun. They will have to go back to Davis on a regular basis for checkups.

Wendy was able to see her husband Micah and her two handsome sons, Skyler and Jadon today. WHAT A REUNION! Both boys cried when they saw Mommy and wouldn’t let go of her. It was a great day at 3021 Forest Lane. The roses smelled better, the grass was a little greener, and the blue sky radiated God’s love. Wade and Wesley will be home Wednesday. Both are so anxious to see Wendy and the rest of the family.

May this be your best Thanksgiving with you and your family. We must not take anything for granted. Material things will pass away. Let’s all count our blessings. We truly have much to be thankful for: God, family, friends and health.

Let us come before Him with Thanksgiving. Psalm 95:2

lollipops and potatoes

Wendy slept so well last night. She only woke up once for pain medicine. She was up at 7:30 am, nauseous and in a good amount of pain. Breakfast was cut short because of the nausea. She went back to bed and an early morning nap really helped. Wendy is so happy to be home. She is still in a lot of pain but being home is what she needs to fully heal.

Micah and the boys came by at noon. Seeing them was surreal. She felt like she was having an out of body experience. Both boys walked in slowly. She asked, "can I have a hug?" Jadon ran over first. Just inches away, he stared at her face for almost three minutes. It was as if he didn't really believe it was her. She enjoyed being so close to him, studying him, almost as if she was re-learning his face. He was interested in the Wound V.A.C. and stayed close. She called Skyler over. He laid his head on her shoulder and squeezed her tighter than he ever has before. He then went over to GB and cried while hugging her. His tears were joyful, relieved tears. Wendy told him to come back. He climbed up in the chair with her and rested on her for a long time. Wendy said they've grown so much in a month's time. Skyler is blossoming. Jadon did a dance for Wendy and shared about Halloween and what he wants for Christmas. Wendy enjoyed every second of the time they spent together this afternoon being reunited, catching up, and getting adjusted to being together again.

Both boys love Wendy's walker. They pushed the buttons, climbed up and on it, and practiced walking with it.

Wendy enjoyed a special moment with Jadon today coloring up at the table. He drew a picture of her and she drew a picture of him. His drawing of Wendy captured her perfectly, two eyes, nose, mouth, lollipop, and potato. You know Wendy, never without a lollipop and potato.

Both of the boys are battling a little sickness and are on antibiotics. It was important that Wendy get to see them today, for her heart and emotional healing. However, it is even more important that she stay healthy. Micah took the boys back home for the rest of the day and evening. Once home tonight Micah called Wendy and told her how different the boys seem already. They seem peacefully content and are radiating happiness. It was a good evening at the Manzo home.

Pray...

• Wendy doesn't get sick.

• Skyler and Jadon are fully healed so they can spend more time with their mommy.

• Micah, CB, and GB don't get sick.

• Strength for GB as she is Wendy's 24/7 nurse.

home again, home again

It was thought earlier this week Wendy might be discharged this coming weekend. Wendy tried to sit patiently with the thought of going home so soon. She thought about what it would be like to be home every minute she was awake. Her patience and her ability to trust was fully tested. After a thorough assessment this morning her team decided she was ready to go home today. At last, Wendy was cleared to go home.

The discharge process was quite extensive. Wendy went home with a Wound V.A.C., prescriptions, and orders for a home health nurse (who will start coming on Monday). Wendy will be using a walker, a quad cane, and a wheel chair.

The drive home from UC Davis was exhausting, painful, and stressful. Wendy was completely worn out by the time they arrived back in Madera. A balloon arch spanned across the front porch, waiting for Wendy's arrival, welcoming her home. She will be staying at her parents' house during the next weeks or months, while her recovery is still so critical. She has yet to see Skyler and Jadon because they are both sick and on antibiotics. At this point she is just SO thankful to be out of the hospital. She said a recliner has never felt so good. She has beyond enjoyed being home, looking at all of the framed family photos, especially the ones of the boys.

Doctors orders firmly state that Wendy is to have NO visitors. It is imperative she stay away from germs and that she get A LOT of rest. She has a long way to go and her recovery is just beginning. Please allow Wendy and her family time to readjust. Wendy will continue to share information through this blog and will communicate when she is able and ready to start receiving phone calls and visits.

Wendy will miss the amazing nurses, doctors, therapists, and staff that cared for her for the past month. Nurse Sandy from the ICU came to visit Wendy one last time early this morning. She sent Wendy on her way with a quote that truly captures the epitome of what Wendy has become. You thought Wendy was gentle, kind, and generous before the surgery? You just wait.

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggles, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people don't just happen."
- Elizabeth Kuber-Ross